College of Education Strengthens its Partnership Efforts in Idaho Falls

The College of Education has been actively strengthening its partnership efforts with school districts in Idaho Falls. Recently, Interim Dean Esther Ntuli, along with a selected team from the College, participated in a series of meetings in Idaho Falls organized by the College of Education's Office of Field Experience.

The College team began its visit with a stop at a Skyline High School faculty meeting, where Ntuli presented the College of Education Outstanding Cooperating Teacher Award to Kelsey Bischoff, a science teacher at Skyline High School. The award honors an outstanding cooperating teacher at the conclusion of each semester, based on nominations submitted by student teaching candidates in the Department of Teaching and Educational Studies. 

Bischoff was nominated for the award by Drew Chapman, a College of Education student. The nomination carried special significance, as Chapman was once a student in Bischoff's high school science classroom. Returning years later as a student teaching candidate, Chapman described the experience as a “full-circle moment,” this time learning alongside Bischoff as a mentor who helped guide her development into a science teacher. 

“Throughout my student teaching, she has been my biggest support, biggest cheerleader, as well as my biggest critic when I needed it,” said Chapman. “She is a master at what she does and is more than deserving of this award.” 

The award presentation was attended by Karla LaOrange, superintendent of the Idaho Falls School District; Kelly Coughenou, executive director of personnel and planning; Josh Newell, principal of Skyline High School; and the faculty at Skyline High School.

After the awards, the team joined the School District 91 leadership for a partnership conversation at the Idaho Falls district office, followed by a partnership luncheon and meeting at the Bonneville School District 93 office with Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme. During these meetings, participants explored a range of topics on the strengths and the evolving realities faced by school communities, and how the college could train candidates to best meet these needs. 

“I am grateful for our partnership with Idaho State University and your contributions to our district,” said LaOrange. “Today expanded my understanding of how ISU can support our current staff and help expand our administrator pool as well. Thank you for taking the time to seek our input and feedback about the College of Education program and teacher candidates. I also appreciated learning more about how ISU has used feedback from districts to enhance and strengthen the teacher education program.” 

The Office of Field Experience works with over 80 school districts in Idaho and beyond. Through structured partnership meetings, the office fosters strong relationships, promotes College of Education programs, and gathers feedback that drives continuous program improvement to enhance the preparation of high-quality candidates in teaching, school administration, and school psychology.